Backyard Camping

Friday night, Moose being Moose decided it was a good night to camp in the backyard.  And as usual he was right!  It was the perfect temperature to sleep outside.  After swimming, tubing, and roasting some marshmallows, we watched the sunset and then snuggled up in the tent for a bedtime story.  I am happy to report that everyone made it through the night.  We were up at 6:00.  Me to get ready for a shopping day with Kara and the rest of the brood to await Grandpa and Grandma Benner's arrival.

Lester River Excursion

Sunday morning the weather led us to believe that it was going to be a cool and wet day.  So we ordered some tickets for the Lester River Excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad from the Depot in Duluth.  The weather, as it so often does in Duluth, changed and the day ended up being beautiful.  We even rode in the open air car of the train for most of the ride.

Could they be any more excited for the train ride?!



While waiting in line, I thought it would be a good idea to try to take some pictures with my kids.  Why I didn't ask Moose to take them...

This is where we started our train adventure.

Jack is SO old.

A rare Moose sighting.

Moose sat at either end of the train to keep the kiddos contained.  So romantic.

Tall Ships Adventure

On Thursday, we had an errand to run in the morning so I thought we would go see if the Tall Ships had arrived in Port.   Every three years, tall ships make their way to the Duluth Port.  It is a big festival and draws thousands of people to the area.

We parked across from Fitger's and head out to the boardwalk to see one of the Tall Ships sail in.



Sisters chatting on the boardwalk.

Monkey see, monkey do.  I wanted a picture of all 4 with the ship in the background, but Will was the only one willing to take a picture until Sydnee came along and mimicked his pose.

Allison decided she should join in the picture too.

Looking out at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

We watched this Tall Ship sail into port.

Hiking at Congdon Park

Hiking was on my summer to-do list with the kiddos.  So last week we put on our hiking shoes and headed to Congdon Park here in Duluth.  We explored the trail, listened for animals, and saw the "rapids."  Everyone enjoyed the morning exploring.

Will, Allie, Syd, and Jack

Hiking the trail.

Posing with their partners.

Little Bear Lake

The got right in the lake today.  One fish red fish.  Two fish blue fish.

Allie playing whiffle ball.

Syd and her cheeses.

Grandma Linda and her girlies.

Sun's out, guns out!

Papa having some fun.

Mom and daughter.

Girly group shot.

Will trying to catch a ride from Jack.

Pokegama Lake

We returned from our week on Pokegama Lake tanned, tired, and with too few pictures.  That is something that seems to be happening more often than not.  You would think with our phones at our sides, we would snap more pictures, but I think we are too busy counting heads.

Bisch Bash 2013.  The kids jumped their little hearts out in the bouncy houses while we enjoyed some beverages.

Gary and Ann Dick had a few families over for dinner and water games.

We spent the morning and early afternoon on Nesbit Island making sandcastles and walking the sandbars.

Jack at the front of the pontoon with his Flash towel from his thoughtful Aunt Kathy.

Syd and I enjoying a boat ride.

Allie and Syd showing their Super Powers.

Eli and Amy are engaged!  They joined us, along with Jim and Michelle, on Wednesday.  The monkey is a traveling token between friends to mark life events.  Eli graduated with his MBA this spring so Michelle added a cap to the monkey.

Friday Night Family Fun

After weeks of uncharacteristically cold, windy, rainy weather, we finally had a nice evening to enjoy outside.



Sydnee loves a pontoon ride after dinner.



Jack loved his s'more.



Allie letting her hair down as she takes a bite.  



Playing I Spy before bed time.



Loving life.